BTPS Newsletter
June 21, 2024
Superintendent's Memo
Reflecting on a Remarkable Year
As we approach the end of the school year, it is astonishing to realize how quickly this school year has gone. August seems so very long ago, and yet I am having difficulty believing the end of the school year is here. Looking back, I am filled with immense pride—pride in our students' remarkable achievements, pride in the dedicated work of our Board and all staff members who have tirelessly supported student success regardless of their role, and pride in the strong family and community connections that have nurtured our students' well-being.
This year has been filled with celebrations for both our students and staff. Together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated victories, and forged ahead with resilience and determination. It’s a testament to our collective spirit and commitment that we have met these challenges head-on and thrived in the process.
As we bid farewell to this school year, it is important to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to those staff members who will not be continuing with us next year. Your dedication and passion for BTPS have left a positive mark on our community. We will miss your presence and your impact across our division. Thank you for everything you have contributed to our division’s success and the lives of our students.
Additionally, we extend our heartfelt best wishes to the graduating classes of BTPS. As you step into the next chapter of your lives, know that your leadership and spirit will be greatly missed in our schools. We are confident that you will carry forward the values and lessons you’ve learned here to achieve great things in your future endeavours, and we look forward to hearing about your future successes.
As we finish off the 2023 - 2024 school year and look forward to the summer break, let’s take a moment to celebrate all that we have accomplished together. Thank you to every staff member, student, parent, and community member who has contributed to making this year a success. Your collective efforts have made a significant difference. Enjoy the well-deserved break, and let’s come back re-energized for another year of growth and excellence. I am looking forward to all that will come our way next year.
Wishing you all a joyful summer!
For our last newsletter of the school year, those that choose to complete this google form, Reflecting and Rejoicing, by Monday, June 24, 2024 at noon, will receive a small BTPS swag item in the van run next week. :-)
Be well,
Michelle
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Today, June 21st, marks National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of Indigenous peoples.
At Buffalo Trail Public Schools, we are proud to join in these celebrations with various activities, educational programs, and events designed to deepen our understanding and appreciation of Indigenous traditions and histories.
BTPS is committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and reconciliation. We have compiled a collection of Indigenous resources on our BTPS website for people to use to learn more about Indigenous history and culture.
Amisk School
On June 6th, Amisk School had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. They experienced history brought to life by costumed interpreters at the open-air museum, hearing the first-hand stories of early settlers to east central Alberta.
June 12th, was a day of celebration at Amisk School. A special thank you went out to Secure Energy for supporting our event with a fantastic BBQ and for generously raffling off a new bike to one of our students! Our heartfelt appreciation also extended to our amazing Parent Advisory Council (PAC), who consistently steps in to help and ensures the days go smoothly. We were honored to have School Board Trustee Barry Livingston attend and speak at our awards as well as Janet Geddes delivering the treaty acknowledgment. We are truly blessed to have unwavering community support in all our endeavors.
On June 20th, we were excited to have Brianna Lizotte and Ethan Graves in to run a Métis Culture Workshop. The students at Amisk school were delighted to learn about Métis culture through song and dance. They loved hearing the wooden spoons and learning how to do a few dances including the Red River Jig. The gym was full of joy as we finished off the day with a ‘kitchen party!’
E.H. Walter School
A bittersweet moment for EH Walter School! We celebrated our 4 retirees from EHW. Good luck and best wishes to those retiring/leaving on your new adventures wherever they may take you.
Our Grade 3/4 class took a field trip to Fort Edmonton. They loved learning about the 'olden days' and how things used to be done.
The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Student Award (ASBA)
Buffalo Trail Public Schools is pleased to announce that Gavin Checkosis is a recipient of the 2024 Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Student Award. Only 9 students in all of Alberta are chosen for this honourable award each year.
The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Student Award recognizes Alberta students in different grade levels who have shown tremendous growth in developing skills to better themselves by demonstrating determination, initiative and independence, which has led to their improved success both academically and personally.
Gavin Checkosis is a grade 9 student at E.H. Walter School and has been since kindergarten. He impresses his classmates and teachers with his personal and academic growth. He is determined and shows initiative through his concerted efforts to increase his marks, particularly in math, so that he can pursue his goal of post-secondary education. He is known for being the first one to class, ready to learn and actively participating in his own learning. He also pursues extracurricular activities including track and field and basketball. He models quiet leadership skills, is a team player, and a driven athlete who strives to be his very best. As part of his personal growth, Gavin attends the local youth group where he actively contributes to fundraisers and events to help with community initiatives. Congratulations, Gavin!
BTPS Friends of Education Award
The Board of Trustees of Buffalo Trail Public Schools proudly presented the Town of Provost with a BTPS Friends of Education Award for their incredible kindness and multifaceted support of student learning!
This well-deserved recognition comes from the heartfelt nomination submitted by Provost Public School.
The Town of Provost has truly gone above and beyond, showcasing warmth, care, and an unwavering commitment to our students' high-quality learning experiences. Thank you, Town of Provost, for being exceptional partners in education!
Innisfree Delnorte School has been awarded an A+ for Energy Grant!
Delnorte School was recently awarded an A+ for Energy Grant for their project 'Sunrise Gardens: Solar Heat for Green Growth'!
The A+ for Energy grant program by Inside Education is now in its 18th year and provides teachers across Alberta with funding and support to start an energy education project in their school.
Delnorte received the maximum amount of $5,000 to help bring their energy education project to life. Congratulations!!
SUNRISE GARDENS: SOLAR HEAT FOR GREEN GROWTH
Sunrise Gardens: Solar Heat for Green Growth aims to revolutionize our greenhouse operation by harnessing sunlight to power a sustainable heating system. Placing solar panels on our nearby garden shed and solar-powered heaters in the greenhouse will allow us to transform solar power into thermal energy. The generated thermal energy will heat our greenhouse and extend our growing season into the fall and spring months.
Our project will allow students to explore renewable energy sources and foster environmental stewardship in our school community. Students will also focus on energy management innovation as we plan to use smart technologies to optimize heating efficiency. Sensors, timers, and automated control systems can be used for immediate response to environmental conditions to optimize growing conditions while minimizing energy wastage.
By harnessing the power of the sun, this initiative paves the way for a greener future in agriculture while addressing the pressing challenges of energy consumption and climate change.
Provost Public School Writing Celebration
The grade 7 class at PPS participated in the Robyn Herrington Memorial Short Story Contest.
This is a prestigious competition dedicated to nurturing the talents of young writers in Alberta or the Northwest Territories. Each year, ten outstanding stories are chosen by a panel of judges for publication in the annual contest book, "In Places Between."
Two students from PPS, Macy Scott and Ever Hall, achieved the honour of having their short stories selected for the top ten. Congratulations!
Hughenden, Amisk, and BRITE Collab!
The Amisk grade 2 and 3 classes spent time with the BRITE program learning about how creativity benefits the mind and then did a project to design their own monster. Miss Haley worked closely with the Hughenden Public School senior art class and their teacher Mrs. Hanson to come up with a way to spread some joy, while improving their own art skills. Senior art turned the monsters created by the grade 2/3s into 3D versions with clay, and paint. They then presented them to the kids, and did some combined creating to decorate posters for Amisk Awards day, and Grade 12 grad at HPS. Fun was had by all, and new multigenerational relationships were formed. Both schools look forward to continuing this combined adventure in future years!
Limiting Distractions in Alberta’s Classrooms
On June 17, 2024, the Minister of Education, Demetrios Nicolaides, made an announcement regarding restrictions on personal mobile devices and social media in schools.
As a Division, Buffalo Trail Public Schools is pleased that our Board Policy 304BP Personal Electronic Devices is closely aligned with details of the announcement. Over the next few months, we will be reviewing our Administrative Procedures to make any necessary adjustments to ensure they fully comply with the new guidelines. We aim to ensure the best outcomes for maximizing student learning, in a safe and caring environment, supported by a highly effective team.
More information will be shared with staff and families in the fall.
Learning Services Department
Since we're nearing the end of the school year, and the sun is starting to shine, here's something to keep you busy outside!
Check out this scavenger hunt resource from the Métis Nation of Alberta. Have fun searching for these traditional plants!
Technology Department
Payroll Department
Are you getting married this summer? 💍
Please remember to let your payroll department know and we will provide you with forms to complete. If your name is changing, we will change your name in payroll along with advising LAPP and ASEBP.
Forms will also be provided to add your spouse to your benefits plan. You may also want to update the beneficiary on your ATRF and ASEBP. It is important to add your spouse within 31 days of marriage otherwise he/she would be considered a late applicant which results in reduced coverage. If your spouse already has coverage, you may want to review the section in the ASEBP handbook about coordination of benefits.
Having A Baby? 🍼
Please remember to complete forms to have your new dependent added to your benefit coverage. You have 31 days to have the completed form in to the payroll office otherwise the dependent is considered a late applicant.
Are you moving? 🏠
Please update us if you are moving. Please complete the address change form located on the BTPS website under Departments/Human Resources/HR Documents and forward it to the address on the form or email to hrsupportstaff@btps.ca for non-teaching staff or hrteachers@btps.ca for teaching staff.
Transportation Department
As we reach the end of another school year, we wanted to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our bus drivers and contractors for the dedication, care, and professionalism they show every day.
Their role in ensuring our students arrive safely to and from school is invaluable, and we deeply appreciate the commitment they bring to this important role.
We want to wish everyone a wonderful summer. Enjoy your well-deserved break.
BTPS Transportation Team
Inclusive Learning Department
Happy Summer Holidays!
On behalf of the BTPS Department of Inclusive Learning, we wish all of you and your families the very best possible Summer Holiday ever! Please take some time for yourselves (you deserve it!!) and also please be sure that you take the time to see and share with those that you love the most. Create the memories that will last a lifetime and also that you can call upon on those days when you need a “special place” to go to.
Please take care, be safe, be happy, be restful ...and do something FUN!!!
See you in August!
The Department of Inclusive Learning Team